Family Friendly Attractions & Events
Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, Moody Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for guests of all ages for work or play. From tropical rainforests to the oceans of the world, a wide range of attractions, educational activities, kid's events, dining options, and exciting entertainment await. This island resort uniquely accommodates large conferences, weddings and social events as well as being the romantic escape and family destination where special memories are created.
Conservation
Moody Gardens is committed to the conservation of wild life and wild places. You can learn more aboutthe work we are doing, and how you can help, here.
AZA Programs
As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Moody Gardens participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction programs.
Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs bring together AZA, AZA-accredited members and Sustainability Partners to collectively manage healthy, sustainable populations for the animals in our care.
SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction utilizes the expertise within AZA-accredited facilities and the power of their guests to save species. Through research, collaborations and education, the SAFE program aims to help species that are at risk of extinction.
Local & Federal Partners
Moody Gardens closely works with local and federal partner agencies on conservation work in the field.From US Fish and Wildlife to Texas Parks & Wildlife, Moody Gardens provides staff support, funding and resources to this organizations. Here are a few of our current partnerships.
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Moody Gardens provides dive support on a variety of research conducted at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Our Coral Lab at the Aquarium at Moody Gardens houses over 100 coral fragments from Flower Gardens Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Galveston Bay Foundation
Moody Gardens supports the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which reclaims oyster shells from local restaurants and uses them in oyster reef restoration programs. Moody Gardens staff have collected over 100 tons of oyster shell since 2020. Shells are cured in the sun for ninemonths before being returned to Galveston Bay Foundation.
Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council
In 2021, Galveston was certified as a Bird City Texas community by Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Led by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, Moody Gardens and other local partners, worked together to become one of seven cities in Texas to achieve this certification.
Ecology Project International – Pacuare Reserve
In 2024, Moody Gardens made a multi-year commitment to provide funding assistance for conservation projects, interns and research at Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica. This support will help researchers at Pacuare Reserve conduct vital conservation work and research focused on the rare agami heron and otherspecies.
Sustainability
Seafood Watch
Moody Gardens is an active partner of Seafood Watch, a sustainable seafood guide. Produced by Monterey Bay Aquarium, Seafood Watch makes recommendations on best choices, good alternative and what to avoid when eating seafood. Guests in restaurants are served sustainable seafood, as are the animals in our care.
Clean the World
Unused soap and plastic amenities left by hotel guests are sent to Clean the World, which diverts these items from landfills and uses them to manufacture new soap bars. These can then be sent to vulnerable communities worldwide.
Water
Moody Gardens has a water treatment plant that collects reclaimed water from the city’s water treatment plant. After undergoing further filtration, the water is used for irrigation at the hotel, attractions and golf course. In 2022, over 26 million gallons for water was reclaimed and used across property. This system reduces our reliance on potable water supplies.
Mulch
Maintaining the grounds and gardens generates a significant amount of landscape debris. This debris is collected and processed into mulch, which is then used on our grounds and on city grounds. Carpentry waste is also added to our mulch piles for processing.
Getting Involved
Eco-Cell
Moody Gardens recycles cardboard, paper, plastic and more, including cell phones! Through Eco-Cell, we recycle cell phones, smartphones, ipads, ipods, tablets, GPS, smartwatches, digital cameras and all the cords and cables that go with them. Guests are welcome to get involved by dropping off their old e-gadgets in the Eco-Cell box, located in the Visitors Center.
Support our Conservation Fund
The Moody Gardens Conservation Fund helps us support our local and global partners in conservation. You can support our work by purchasing penguin and otter artwork, participating in an animal encounter or making a donation.
Volunteer at Moody Gardens
Our volunteers support our conservation work through education and hands-on work behind-the-scenes. Learn more here.
Become a Member
Members support our conservation work by attending programs and learning more the wild life and wildplaces we protect. Learn more about memberships here.
